The Knight's Duel

The Knight's Duel

Year

1325 AE

Storyline

Personal story

Chapter

Following the Dream

Location

Mabon Market
(Caledon Forest)
Omphalos Chamber
(The Grove)

Level

10

Race

Sylvari

Choice

Dreams of the Green Knight

Preceded by

Hammer and Steel
Weakness of the Heart

Followed by

After the Storm
Wild Growth
Where Life Goes

API

219

Loading screen

This personal story step concludes the Green Knight chapter.

Objectives

Put an end to Bercilak's cruelty.

• Seek out Bercilak at Mabon Market.
• Defeat Bercilak. Permanently.
• Bercilak
  

Speak with the Pale Tree.

• Visit the Omphalos Chamber.
• Speak with the Pale Tree.

Rewards

Click here to edit the reward data

All professions

• 2,641 
• 1  40 
• Black Lion Chest Key (Once per week)
• Letter from Caithe
• Thorny Seed Pouch

Profession-specific

• Duty-Bound Duffers
• Ragamuffin Toeshoes
• Homespun Espadrilles

Walkthrough

This is a pretty straightforward mission. Go to Mabon Market. Caithe will be waving to you and ask you to follow her.

If you chose Hammer and Steel, your weapon will be changed to Occam's Enchanted Hammer. Skill 1 is a standard hammer autoattack, skill 2 is a ranged attack that supposedly applies cripple but really doesn't, skill 3 removes conditions while applying boons, and skills 4 and 5 are both knockdowns.

Once you reach Bercilak, one of two things will happen:

• If you chose Hammer and Steel, Bercilak will comment on the hammer and claim he doesn't need his armor to beat you before the duel begins.
• If you chose Weakness of the Heart, Gairwen kisses Bercilak and then steals his helmet.

No matter which path you chose, the fight's straightforward. Bercilak has a knockback ability and can apply a single stack of bleeding for a few seconds, but has no other tricks. He shouldn't be any trouble to defeat.

Once Bercilak is defeated, head back to the Grove for an audience with the Pale Tree to conclude the first chapter of your personal story.

NPCs

Allies

Mabon Market

Plants

• Sylvan Hound

Sylvari

• Caithe
• Citizen
• Dagdar
• Eladus
• Gairwen
• Merchant
• Occam (if rescued in Hammer and Steel)
• Villager
• Warden Ranger
• Warden Scout

Tengu

• Caromi Merchant
• Caromi Scout

Omphalos Chamber

Sylvari

• Aife (if Cycle of Dawn)
• Avatar of the Tree
• Caithe
• Kahedins (if Cycle of Dusk)
• Malomedies (if Cycle of Night)
• Niamh (if Cycle of Noon)

Foes

Sylvari (Nightmare Court)

• Bercilak

Objects

• Abandoned Asuran Supply Cart
• Abandoned Supplies

Dialogue

Mabon Market

Entering the instance:

(If completed Hammer and Steel)

Occam: Here, I forged the armor with this hammer. It will do the task.

Caithe: Excellent. It will make a marvelous weapon. With this, we can stop Bercilak permanently.

Occam: Not just stop him, beat him to a pulp! Good luck.

(If completed Weakness of the Heart)

Caithe: Follow me, please.

Walking towards the dueling area (if approaching the different NPCs):

Warden Scout: Shore up defenses. We must protect this location!

Warden Scout salutes <Character name>.

Warden Scout: The plants around here are on edge. That's not a good sign.

Warden Scout ponders.

Warden Scout: We are the ward that keeps this place safe. Stand strong.

Warden Scout salutes <Character name>.

Warden Ranger: Get ready.

Warden Ranger waves at <Character name>.

Warden Ranger: Take a defensive position.

Talking to various NPCs outside of the dueling area:

Caromi Merchant: Hold on, there! You can't fight outside my shop. It's bad for business!

Back off, merchant. Bercilak must be stopped before he hurts anyone else.

Okay. Just don't hurt my paying customers.

Be sure that you do.

Get those bystanders inside so nobody gets hurt in the fracas.

That's a good idea. Bodily harm is bad for business.

Among other things. Farewell.

If you play this right, merchant, you could make a profit. Keep these people safe, and they'll repay you with loyalty.

Why...that's a brilliant idea. Yes, yes, I'll do that!

See that you do.

I'm not here for you. I'm here for him. Get out of my way.

Citizen (male): Oh, Valiant <Character name>, please be careful. We can't afford to lose you!

I know how to defeat him. Just stand back.

Citizen (female): Don't fight him, Valiant <Character name>. Bercilak is a cruel opponent. He'll kill you!

Don't worry. I'm here to stop him.

Talking with your allies:

Dagdar: Eladus and I heard you were fighting Bercilak again. We're here to support you. May the Pale Tree guide your blows!

That's very kind of you Dagdar. Thank you for believing in me.

Eladus: Be careful. I know what it is to fight that monster.

This time, I'll beat Bercilak for good.

Dialogue when completed Hammer and Steel

Occam: My beautiful armor, defiled. End him, <Character name>. Do not hesitate.

Bercilak will get what's coming for him.

Caithe: Occam says his hammer will be the way to defeat Bercilak. I am inclined to believe him.

I hope he's right.

Gairwen: He sent his brutes after me at Morgan's Spiral! I barely got away with my life!

Don't worry, Gairwen. Bercilak's bullying ends here.

Dialogue when completed Weakness of the Heart

Caithe: Focus on the goal. Once Gairwen Tricks him, the armor's magic will break. Then you strike!

Here's hoping she's a good actress.

Approaching the dueling area if completed Hammer and Steel (cinematic):

<Character name>: Bercilak! Are you ready to fight yet?

Bercilak: A flimsy sprout like you will never defeat me. Even so, I'll teach you one final lesson—in pain.

<Character name>: Last time, your enchanted armor made it a bit unfair. Face me honestly, and we'll see who's flimsy.

Approaching the dueling area if completed Weakness of the Heart:

Gairwen: I fight in your honor, my poor lost love.

Gairwen: Sir Bercilak, I'm so sorry. I've been blind, but now I see that...that I truly do love you.

Bercilak: Yes, you've been foolish. I'm your perfect match! Tell me that you love me, Gairwen. Kneel at my feet, and I will forgive you.

Gairwen: Love you? I...just kiss me. Kiss me quickly, before you enter this duel, and let us seal your...uhm, our love.

Bercilak: With you by my side, and Nightmare's power, we will—

Bercilak: What are you doing? Give that back!

Cinematic:

Gairwen: You may be powerful, but you're a monster. You will never understand love—or be worthy of it.

<Character name>: Well said! I'll take it from here.

<Character name>: Your magical armor won't help you cheat anymore. Face me honestly, and we'll see who wins this time.

After the cinematic:

(If completed Hammer and Steel)

Bercilak: Occam's hammer? (laugh) Do you think I really need my magic armor to beat you? You'll see.

(If completed Weakness of the Heart)

Bercilak: Gairwen, you deceitful wretch! (laugh) Do you think I really need my magic armor to be victorious? You'll see!

Bercilak threatens <Character name>.

During the fight:

Villager: Evart was my friend, too. Avenge him, Valiant!

Villager points at <Character name>.

Bercilak: Surrender! Let nightmare take your spirit, and I may let you live.

Villager: That villain killed my friend! Get him, Valiant!

Villager points at <Character name>.

Villager: Bercilak deserves no better than death! For the Pale Tree!

Villager points at <Character name>.

Gairwen: You're gaining the upper ground. Keep at it!

Villager: Bercilak deserves no better than death! For the Pale Tree.

Defeating Bercilak:

Bercilak: You can't defeat me...how is this possible? I will slay you all!

Citizen cheers for <Character name>.

Caithe: Wait. We must be certain...

Caithe: Good. He is truly dead. Bercilak will not rise again.

Caithe agrees with <Character name>.

Cinematic if completed Hammer and Steel:

Occam: Victory! So, the Nightmare Court can be beaten after all.

<Character name>: Never give up, Occam. Speaking of that, I fear the Nightmare Court may target you to make more armor. Would you like to come and live in the Grove, with me? You'd be safer there.

Occam: Respectfully, I decline. Too much noise. You've shown me how to fight them. Now, I will.

Gairwen: I think I might take you up on that offer. I still mourn the loss of my beloved, but I can't stay by his grave forever.

<Character name>: Mourning alone only brings more sorrow. You would be welcome, and may stay as long as you like. You'll be safe there.

Caithe: Safe? The Grand Duchess will soon find another way to draw the Dream into darkness, and then none of us will be safe. It is her way.

<Character name>: It sounds like you have some history with this Grand Duchess Faolain. Did you know her well?

Caithe: Perhaps once...but I don't know her anymore. Never mind. You've done well, Valiant. Enjoy this moment. Like all victories, it will fade.

Caithe: Come on. Like Gairwen, we should not dwell on sorrows. One image in your dream resolved, but the other - the dragon - remains. It's time to speak with the Pale Tree.

Cinematic if completed Weakness of the Heart:

Gairwen: I never thought that Bercilak could be defeated. Justice feels empty without my love beside me. My sweet Evart. Where do I go from here?

<Character name>: Mourning alone only brings more sorrow. Gairwen, Morgan's Spiral is perilous to the living. Evart's grave will be safe now. Why don't you come back to the Grove? You can stay in my home as long as you like.

Gairwen: You've already done so much for me! But yes, I would feel safe there, and Evart wouldn't want me to be alone. Thank you.

<Character name>: I'm just glad the rampage is over, and the newly awakened will now be safe from Bercilak's cruelty.

Caithe: The Nightmare Court will find another way to draw the Dream into darkness. Faolain loves to cultivate misery.

<Character name>: It sounds like you have history with the court and this Grand Duchess Faolain.

Caithe: I knew her once...but I don't know her anymore. Never mind. You've done well, Valiant. Enjoy this moment. Like all victories, it will fade.

Caithe: Come. Like Gairwen, we should not dwell on sorrows. One image in your Dream has been resolved, but the other—the dragon—remains. It is time to speak with the Pale Tree.

Talking with your allies:

Villager (female): You did it! You defeated Bercilak the Green! Oh, thank you!

You're very welcome, miss.

Merchant / Citizen (male): You're every bit as amazing as we've been told. Thank you.

I'm just glad he won't be able to hurt anyone else.

Occam: Excellent work.

Thanks, Occam. I hope we meet again.

Eladus: That was amazing! Dagdar nearly broke my hand, he was squeezing so hard! We're both very proud to know you.

I wish the best for both of you.

Dagdar: Incredible! I'm so relieved. Now all the newly awakened sylvari will be safe - thanks to you, <Character name>!

It's my honor to protect the offshoots of the Pale Tree.

Caithe: With Bercilak's death, so dies his petty tyranny. When you're done celebrating, meet me in the Grove and we'll tell the Pale Tree.

What about Occam? The court still has him. (only if completed Weakness of the Heart)

You bested his masterwork. The Nightmare Court has no use for him now.

Does that mean they'll kill him?

That or convert. They tend to not keep prisoners for long.

[sic] Can I ask you another question?

No! Caithe, you have to help him. Can't you get him out of there?

Hm. I suppose that with Bercilak's death, the court will be in turmoil. If I move swiftly—and he has not yet fallen...

Thank you. Can I ask you something else?

Thank you, Caithe. I'll meet you at the Pale Tree when you're done.

That's terrible. The poor smith.

I hope he finds freedom.

What will happen to Bercilak's armor now?

I will destroy it. The armor's been infused with nightmare. It cannot be allowed to exist.

Understood. May I ask you something else?

Good. I'll see you soon.

I'll meet you there.

(if completed Hammer and Steel)

Gairwen: Oh, Valiant! I am so grateful to you. Bercilak got exactly what he deserved, and now my beloved Evart's soul can rest.

Make your way to the Grove, Gairwen, and be at peace.

(if completed Weakness of the Heart)

Gairwen: Rest well, Evart, knowing that you are avenged and I am safe at last. And thank you, <character name>. I look forward to returning to the Grove.

Be well, Gairwen.

Omphalos Chamber

Cinematic:

Avatar of the Tree: Greetings, my valorous child. Caithe has told me of your deeds. I'm so proud of you.

<Character name>: I'm honored to meet you, Mother Tree. I dreamt of a green knight, and when I met Bercilak, I knew I had to defeat him. Is that because of you?

Avatar of the Tree: No, dear heart. I do not control the Dream. I am simply its caretaker.

<Luminary>: If you will allow, Mother, we would place the helm of Bercilak within our garden. I hope it will warn others not to fall to pride and nightmare.

Avatar of the Tree: An excellent suggestion. Let the lesson be that strength of heart shall always overcome strength at arms.

<Character name>: If I may ask, Mother—in my dream, I also saw a fierce, horrible dragon. I've been told it is my Wyld Hunt to face this monster. Is that true?

Avatar of the Tree: I fear that it is. A Wyld Hunt is a sacred thing, a burden placed by the Dream upon the strongest and bravest of my children.

Avatar of the Tree: In your Dream, you fought an Elder Dragon face-to-face. Only two of my children have had such a dream. Yourself, and Caithe.

Avatar of the Tree: All sylvari fight the dragon's servants, the undead, but I believe you will fight Zhaitan itself. I also believe you will prevail.

<Character name>: I understand, Mother. Thank you.

(Depending on your luminary)

Aife: Be proud of your victory, Valiant. For now, rest. A new dawn will bring new adventures.

Niamh: Be proud of your victory, Valiant. Until battle comes once more to challenge you, may you be at peace.

Kahedins: Be proud of your victory, Valiant. Spend your leisure in learning and in well-deserved joy.

Malomedies: Be proud of your victory this day, Valiant. But remember: peace is short-lived. You will be needed again—likely, very soon.

After the cinematic:

Avatar of the Tree: Caithe, I wish for the Valiant to meet my eldest child.

Caithe: Trahearne has returned from Orr? Mother, is that wise?

Avatar of the Tree: Do not question the Dream. We must all play our parts.

Caithe: Yes, Mother. I will see that it is done.

Talking to the Luminary of your cycle:

(Cycle of Dawn)

Aife: I am proud of you, Valiant <Character name>. This was a difficult task, but you have proven yourself stalwart.

Can you tell me more about the Pale Tree, please?

The Pale Tree is mother to all sylvari. That golden form is a manifestation of the tree itself.

If she is not sylvari, what is she?

To our knowledge, she is unique in all of Tyria. A truly wondrous creature. She guides us and shepherds the Dream.

We are fortunate to have her. May I ask something else?

Thank you for the information, Firstborn.

What can you tell me about the dragon?

They appeared before the first sylvari came into the world. The dragons are evil, and wish only destruction.

There's more than one dragon?

Yes. Primordus, Zhaitan, Jormag, Kralkatorrikk[sic]...each has awakened, bringing terrible destruction across the world.

[sic] May I ask another question?

We have a lot to do to make Tyria safe. Thank you, Firstborn.

What do we know about Zhaitan, in particular?

He is a rotting shell, an undead dragon, and he sits at the heart of Orr—a dark, cursed land across the sea.

May I ask another question?

Sounds chilling. Thank you, Firstborn.

What's it like to be firstborn, like you and Caithe?

We constantly grow. I awakened as the sun rose on the first dawn of our race. I am an archer and a traveler, but now I stay here and help others.

Have you traveled to many places?

Oh, yes—Lion's Arch, the Maguuma Wastes, the great desert...the world is wider than you can dream, Valiant.

How wonderful. May I ask another question?

Fascinating. Thank you, Firstborn.

Thank you for answering my questions.

Can you tell me more about the Cycle of the Dawn?

We awakened during the early morning hours. We are diplomats, wanderers, and seekers. You are of our cycle, Valiant.

I'm happy to be a member of the Dawn. May I ask another question?

That explains my urge to travel! Thank you.

What about the other cycles?

Noon, Night and Dusk. They each have their own strengths and interests.

How curious. May I ask another question?

Thanks for the explanation.

Thank you, Firstborn.

(Cycle of Noon)

Niamh: An excellent beginning, Valiant <Character name>. I think you will do very well in Tyria.

Can you tell me more about the Pale Tree, please? (Same as above)

What can you tell me about the dragon? (Same as above)

What's it like to be firstborn, like you and Caithe?

We are always learning. I awakened at the zenith of the first day of our race. I am a warrior and a defender, and I founded the wardens.

I've seen wardens in the Grove. Can you tell me more?

They are honorable friends, protecting the Grove from any who would harm the sylvari or the Pale Tree.

How wonderful. May I ask another question?

Fascinating. Thank you, Firstborn.

Thank you for answering my questions.

Can you tell me more about the Cycle of Noon?

We awakened during the heat of the day. We are adventurers, daredevils and soldiers. You are of our cycle, Valiant.

I'm happy to be a member of the Cycle of Noon. May I ask another question?

That must be why I love exploring! Thank you, Niamh.

What about the other cycles?

Noon[sic], Night, and Dusk. They each have their own strengths and interests.

How curious. May I ask another question?

Thanks for the explanation.

Thank you, Firstborn.

(If Cycle of Dusk)

Kahedins: Excellently done, Valiant <Character name>. I'll be watching your career carefully. I expect great things out of you!

Can you tell me more about the Pale Tree, please? (Same as above)

What can you tell me about the dragon? (Same as above)

What's it like to be firstborn, like you and Caithe?

We are always adapting. I awakened as the sun first set on our race. I am a scholar and an architect, and I shaped the Grove in the shadow of the Pale Tree.

What do you mean, you shaped the Grove?

I am a shaper, someone who grows our houses and roads. I began by shaping the Grove, and have overseen its growth since.

How wonderful. May I ask another question?

Fascinating. Thank you, Firstborn.

Thank you for answering my questions.

Can you tell me more about the Cycle of Dusk?

We awakened during the evening hours. We are artists, crafters, and entertainers. You are of our cycle, Valiant.

I'm happy to be a member of the Dusk. May I ask another question?

I am here to see the beauty in the world. Thank you.

What about the other cycles?

Noon, Night, and Dawn. They each have their own strengths and interests.

How curious. May I ask another question?

Thanks for the explanation.

Thank you, Firstborn.

(Cycle of Night)

Malomedies: You were the fulcrum of great change, <Character name>. You have questions?

Can you tell me more about the Pale Tree, please? (Same as above)

What can you tell me about the dragon? (Same as above)

What's it like to be firstborn, like you and Caithe?

We are always learning. I awakened on the first night of the sylvari race. I am a philosopher, a mathematician, and a watcher of the world.

What do you mean by watcher of the world?

I predict the evolution of events. For example, I see that you will be a force of change in Tyria.

Well, I can't wait for that! May I ask another question?

Fascinating. Thank you, Firstborn.

Thank you for answering my questions.

Can you tell me more about the Cycle of Night?

We awakened during the dark of night. We are mathematicians, scoundrels, and sentinels. You are of our cycle, Valiant.

I'm happy to be a member of the Night. May I ask another question?

That explains why I'm so interested in seeing the world.

What about the other cycles?

Noon, Dawn, and Dusk. They each have their own strengths and interests.

How curious. May I ask another question?

Thanks for the explanation.

Thank you, Firstborn.

Talking to Caithe:

Caithe: You have done well, Valiant. We will make a formidable alliance against Zhaitan someday.

Can you tell me more about Zhaitan?

The undead dragon at the heart of the cursed land of Orr. Only two living creatures have ever seen him: myself and my brother, Trahearne.

Can you tell me more about Trahearne?

Another of the firstborn. His Wyld Hunt also draws him to Orr, though he did not dream of fighting the dragon.

What did he dream about, if not battle?

In his dream, he saw Orr as a beautiful land, once more green and fresh...an impossible task. Dragon corruption cannot be cleansed.

I...see. May I ask you another question?

Chilling. Thank you for the wisdom.

I'll have to think about that. Thank you.

You've seen Zhaitan?

Yes. Larger than you can imagine, ceaselessly hungry, it is death beyond compare. Ask me no more.

I understand. Can I ask you about something else.

Thank you for telling me.

Can I meet Trahearne?

Yes. I sent him word of your Dream. He's already on his way to the Grove.

Sounds good. Can I ask you something else?

I look forward to it. Thank you.

Thank you. That's all I need for now.

Thank you for your confidence in me, Firstborn.

Talking to the Avatar of the Tree:

Avatar of the Tree: I am so very proud of you, my child. This is only the beginning.

Are you really the tree I see all around me?

Indeed, but I have manifested in this form so that you and I may speak.

I am glad to meet you, Mother.

What can you tell me about Zhaitan?

It's a powerful force of evil. You have already fought its undead minions on our shores.

Caithe and I both dreamt of fighting this horror. Will that come to pass?

You are destined to fight for Tyria's future. Zhaitan will the the largest of many obstacles.

May I ask another question?

I will do my best, Mother Tree.

Did you know that I would defeat Bercilak?

Not exactly. But I knew that you could. That is the inspiration of the Dream.

I see. May I ask another question?

What an interesting perspective. Thank you.

I heard you talking about Trahearne. What else do you know about him?

He is another of my firstborn. His Wyld Hunt, like yours, concerns the land of Orr.

How very interesting. May I ask you something else?

Interesting, interesting. Thank you.

Thank you, Pale Tree. I am at your service.

My story

“ I met with Bercilak at Mabon Market and challenged him to another duel. This time, I was prepared for the advantage of his armor. Bercilak has been destroyed, and will never hurt anyone else. I spoke with the Pale Tree and told her about defeating Bercilak. I asked her about the Dream, and she told me that only two sylvari have ever dreamed of facing the dragons head-on—me, and Caithe. I wonder what that means? Nevertheless, the Mother was proud of me, and I look forward to my next adventure. — My story

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Sylvari storyline